Letter to the Editor: Alton Mayoral Candidate, David Goins Response To Home Rule Status

As candidate for Alton Mayor, I do not plan to respond to every negative comment made by my Opponent, Mayor Brant Walker. However, I am writing in response to his insulting statement recently released accusing me of spreading misinformation and questioning my intelligence regarding the home rule issue Alton could face following the 2020 census.

I have previously stated my concern that Alton may lose its home rule status if the census data shows we have declined in population below 25,000 residents. As a candidate for Mayor, I view this as a critical issue that may present a tipping point for Alton if not addressed with strong leadership and a positive outlook for our community. To confirm, if our population dips below 25,000, our home rule status will be in jeopardy. Per the Illinois Municipal Code at 65 ILCS 5/1-1-9, Alton would be required to hold a referendum asking whether we should continue as a home rule community. If the voters are not convinced of the benefits of being a home rule community, Alton will lose this special self-governing status.

While my opponent, Mayor Walker, apparently prefers to focus on semantics and negativity, I'm focused on the issues important to Alton such as maintaining our population and our home rule status. The population of Alton has continued to decline over the past eight years and it's a serious problem. A loss in population is a sign of decline in a community. As Mayor, I will work every day to remind people why Alton is a great place to live and raise a family.

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David Goins

Candidate for Alton Mayor

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